Sometimes, you need an SUV. Maybe you have a lot of friends, or perhaps you get a lot of flats and carry tires around (don't ask how I know this), or maybe you have an affinity for overpacking for trips (don't judge me). Either way, purchasing a sport utility vehicle can sometimes be inevitable as we age. It also isn't wild to think some folks have a smaller weekend car and opt for a more comfortable SUV for other times. Whatever the case, that doesn't mean we need to sacrifice fun just for needing extra cargo space.

Nowadays, there are a few vehicles I would consider if I were looking for a luxury SUV with more than 375 horsepower. These are the Porsche Macan GTS, BMW X5 M60i, and Genesis GV80. I did stick with a budget of $100,000 to exclude some ultra-lux options like the Lamborghini Urus or BMW X6 M to keep the prospects semi-achievable for the average bear.

The Porsche Macan GTS Puts The Sport In Sport Utility Vehicle

The luxurious 2024 Porsche Macan GTS starts at $89,000 this year, but that gets you a whole lot of SUV. Regarding sporty and fun rides, the Macan is essentially like a 911 with an SUV shape. It gets 434 horsepower from the factory and has a zero-to-60 MPH time of 4.3 seconds. It also has a top speed of 169 MPH on the track (with summer tires). Fuel economy ratings sit at around 17 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway.

Porsche's Macan Is Where Practical Meets Powerful

Porsche has been quite a powerhouse for the performance SUV segment in the last few years. The Macan has two other trim levels, the base ($62,900) and the T ($68,500). Those two get a 2.0L inline-four with 261 horsepower or a twin-turbo V6 for 375 horsepower. The GTS has a twin-turbo V6 with 434 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Of course, the other trim levels are just as fun, but we're going for the most fun, which can only mean the GTS.

The Macan Still Has Room For The Whole Family

434 horsepower or not, the Macan GTS has a comfortable second row for the family. The lower roofline might make it challenging for some taller adults, but it isn't too bad. You can also opt for heated seats back here to keep everyone comfy in the winter. Porsche definitely ensures that all passengers are comfortable and charged up. There are climate controls in the back and plenty of charging ports for everyone. Combined with the 17 cubic feet of cargo space, you have a well-rounded SUV that's also a joy to drive.

BMW's X5 M60i Is Comfortable And Quick

The 2024 BMW X5 M60i midsize SUV starts at $90,295 this year, equipped with a twin-turbo V8 with 523 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels, and the M60i scoots from zero to 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds—not bad for a five-seater. With about 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, you'll get OK fuel economy for a daily driver. Fuel economy isn't a strong suit for any performance vehicle, so we'll let that slide.

Why Choose The X5 M60i?

BMW does offer a lot of trim levels for the X5: sDrive40i ($66,195), xDrive40i ($68,495), xDrive50e ($73,495), and the xDriveM60i. Even though those model names are as confusing as possible, all four are pretty good SUVs. BMW also uses a new 48-volt hybrid system in the lower trims, while the xDrive50e is a plug-in hybrid. Besides the V8 previously mentioned, BMW also offers a 3.0L inline-six with 375 horsepower and a 4.4L V8 with 483 horsepower. All of these are suitable, but we like the xDriveM60i's performance emphasis the most.

BMW's Interior Is Comfortable

With five seats, the X5 has room for the whole family. Its maximum cargo capacity is 34 cubic feet, which is huge. There is room for luggage, groceries, golf bags, or whatever else you want to take. This brand is known for using quality materials throughout the cabin, and the X5 is no exception. With chargers all over and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, your passengers will be happy little clams. And so will you. As far as fun goes in an SUV, the X5 M60i easily checks all the boxes.

The Genesis GV80 Offers Value In All Of Its Options

The 2024 Genesis GV80 starts at $59,050 this year. With the upgraded 3.5L V6, you'll get 375 horsepower and a zero to 60 MPH time of 5.3 seconds. You don't really need the top trim level to get all the important upgrades, but you'll probably appreciate the 3.5T Prestige trim or higher for the best of both worlds. You can add the upgraded engine to any of the trim levels, but it does add $7,000. The Prestige trim also adds Nappa leather seats, a bigger digital gauge cluster, and a panoramic roof. Fuel economy sits at 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway for the upgraded engine.

Genesis offers an insane amount of trim levels for the sporty GV80 SUV, eight to be exact. I won't bore you with the details, but I will discuss the engines. You can choose from a 2.5L four-cylinder with 300 horsepower or a 3.5L V6 with 375 horsepower. No matter which one you go with, the GV80 has many standard features that add value. It has a large infotainment screen, a power liftgate, and wireless charging. It also gets all-wheel drive.

A Fun Family SUV

Genesis ensured there was room for everyone and everyone's stuff in the GV80. It has 34 cubic feet of cargo space, and that power liftgate is handy. The cushy suspension is nice for long rides. Like the other options, the GV80 has a comfortable second row and plenty of USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up. Genesis is one of the newer brands on the scene, but it has cemented itself as a solid brand with well-equipped vehicles in just a few years.

Luxury SUVs Aren't Always Fun To Drive, But These Are

Americans love SUVs, and automakers have certainly delivered them in recent years. Everyone has a variety of sport utility vehicles in all shapes and sizes to ensure customers have enough to choose from. These are just a few of the most exciting ones to drive that also deliver on comfort, luxury, and a price under $100,000. That might seem like a high budget, but luxury isn't cheap these days. Porsche, BMW, and Genesis check all the boxes that are most important to shoppers in 2024, especially the fun-to-drive part.